On (rehab) assignment with Kotsay

In the latest Players Talk show, Oakland A's center fielder Mark Kotsay discusses his experience in extended Spring Training in Arizona as he attempts to return from off-season back surgery.

Kotsay, whose all-out style of play has sometimes landed him on the disabled list, believes the surgery and ensuing rehabilitation will help him reemerge as a permanent fixture in the Oakland outfield, as the team attempts to build off of last season's playoff run.

"Hopefully this gives me the opportunity to come back and play healthy every day," Kotsay said. "I'm itching at getting back into Oakland -- playing under the lights with my teammates where I feel comfortable."

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.